–Arsenal Seal £64.4m Agreement, Clearing the Path for Man Utd to Pursue £68.3m Target – ReportBy Destiny Omodion | July 2, 2025Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for €75 million (£64.4 million) plus add-ons, a development that could now allow Manchester United a clear path to pursue Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP.
Both Premier League clubs have been in the market for a new striker to bolster their attacking options.
Arsenal have been seeking a more consistent performer up front than Kai Havertz, while Manchester United are reportedly aiming to move on from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee after the duo managed only seven league goals between them last season.
According to Diario Sport, Arsenal had previously reached a verbal agreement with Sporting CP for Gyokeres, but talks broke down due to difficulties negotiating with Sporting president Federico Varandas. This has led Arsenal to shift their focus to Sesko.
Despite claims that Gyokeres had a €60 million release arrangement with Sporting, Arsenal’s willingness to pay over €75 million for Sesko suggests the reported figure may not be accurate.
If Gyokeres were truly available for that amount, Arsenal may have pursued the deal more aggressively.With Arsenal now targeting Sesko, Manchester United appear to have a clearer path to sign Gyokeres.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reports that United will need to pay around €80 million (£68.3 million) to land the striker.While Sesko is a promising talent, his output last season—13 goals in 33 Bundesliga games—falls short of Gyokeres’ remarkable record.
The Swedish forward scored 39 goals in just 33 Primeira Liga appearances, playing a key role in helping Sporting retain their league title.
As Arsenal and United finalize their respective striker pursuits, both clubs are preparing to reshape their attacking lines ahead of the new Premier League season.